Guitar Lesson 1

Chords that function as G7 when comping.

By Brian Turner

Comping is the art of improvising with chords. Its origin is probably slang for accompanying a singer or instrumentalist. When comping with chords in blues and jazz, we need to think in groups of chords. All the chords below function as a G7. If a chord chart calls for a G7, any of the chords below work. Comping usually has two voicings per measure in common time. Or, to put it another way, a different chord every two beats. Notice the 5th and 6th strings aren't used in any of the chords.